For the year ending March 31, 2025, Vodacom’s ESG commitments revolve around three priorities on empowering people, protecting the planet, and maintaining trust.
Dar es Salaam. Vodacom Tanzania has outlined its latest achievements under its newly launched Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability, digital inclusion and responsible business conduct.
The company, which serves 22.6 million customers locally and over 211 million across Africa, emphassed that ESG is not a stand-alone initiative but an integral part of its core purpose of “connecting for a better future.”
For the year ending March 31, 2025, Vodacom’s ESG commitments revolve around three priorities on empowering people, protecting the planet, and maintaining trust.
Bridging the digital divide remains a key focus, particularly for women and young people. Through its Code Like a Girl initiative, 699 girls were trained bringing the total beneficiaries to 3,039 in 2024 and 2025.
The ESG highlighted that in financial inclusion, Vodacom disbursed Sh1.5 trillion in Wakala Songesha loans by March 2025, up from Sh1.1 trillion in 2024, enhancing access to credit for small traders and households.
It also adds that, “the M-Pesa super-app was voted Tanzania’s leading super-app for the fourth consecutive year, while M-Koba, a group savings platform, has transformed community savings culture”.
Protecting the planet
Vodacom invested Sh1.5 billion in energy efficiency projects in 2024 and Sh1.4 billion by March 2025, achieving energy savings of 1,000 MWh and 2,861 MWh respectively. The company also maintained its international standard for managing and improving energy performance, efficiency, and sustainability (ISO 50001) certification for energy management systems.
To reduce waste, paper use dropped by 242 tonnes through smart recharge solutions.
Community reforestation campaigns planted 18,000 trees, raising the total to 37,000. Partnerships with Gas Fasta further promoted clean cooking gas, reducing dependence on charcoal and firewood.
Maintaining trust
Responsible business practices is also a center to Vodacom’s ESG agenda. All employees completed the Doing What’s Right programme, covering data privacy, cybersecurity, anti-bribery measures, and health and safety standards.
Vodacom was recognised as Tanzania’s top employer, won the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange ESG Award, and received accolades from the CEO Roundtable.
It was also among the first three organisations in Tanzania to receive the Data Processor and Controller Registration Certificate.
Workplace safety continues to be a priority, with 379 employees receiving occupational medical examinations and 17 OSHA inspections conducted.
Broader commitment, MCL highlights role in sustainability
Commenting on the launch of the ESG report, Vodacom Tanzania CEO Philip Besiimire said: “Over the past year, we have strengthened our efforts to drive financial inclusion, digital access, and environmental responsibility. Our progress is measured not only by the technology we deploy but also by its real impact on people’s lives.”
He added, “From expanding digital finance and 4G connectivity in underserved areas to promoting energy efficiency and reforestation, we remain committed to Tanzania’s Vision 2050 fostering inclusive growth and a sustainable future for all.”
Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) Managing Director, Mndolwa-Mworia, noted, “Vodacom’s ESG launch is a call to action for all of us. At Mwananchi Communications, we are proud to be the platform where government, business, and citizens come together to shape national and regional agendas for a sustainable and prosperous future.”
With more than 574 million people covered by its mobile networks across Africa, Vodacom emphasizes that its ESG journey goes beyond compliance it is about driving inclusive growth while addressing global sustainability challenges.
